How Heat Stress Impacts Farm Profitability

Heat stress is more than just an animal welfare concern—it’s a significant financial threat to dairy farms. As temperatures and humidity levels rise, heat stress can lead to decreased milk production, reduced fertility, and higher susceptibility to disease. But how do these factors translate into actual financial losses?

Research undertaken in 2022 by Dr. Tom Chamberlain, in conjunction with Lallemand Animal Nutrition, shows that heat stress in dairy cattle can cost farms anywhere from £24,000 to £90,000 annually, depending on herd size. These losses stem from two key areas:

•  Reduced Milk Yields: Heat-stressed cows produce less milk. For a housed cow, this could mean a loss of 139 litres per season, while grazing cows could lose around 129 litres.
• Health Impacts: Heat stress increases risks of lameness, disease, and fertility issues, further compounding financial strain.

Despite these impacts, 70% of farmers admit they aren’t taking action to address heat stress, according to NFU Mutual research.

The first step to managing heat stress is understanding its triggers. The Temperature Humidity Index (THI) is a valuable tool, allowing farmers to monitor risk levels based on local weather conditions. Recognising when heat stress occurs can help you implement preventative measures, such as:

• Providing additional shade or ventilation.
• Adjusting feed to maintain nutritional balance.
• Changing grazing schedules to cooler times of the day.

While prevention is essential, unexpected extreme weather events can still occur. That’s why NFU Mutual has introduced award-winning Dairy Heat Stress Insurance, which has been developed with Skyline Partners and is underwritten by Markel. This is a parametric insurance product, for our Farm Insurance customers, that provides financial compensation when heat stress parameters are exceeded, during the cover period.

This innovative solution helps to ensure your farm can weather some of the financial impacts of heat stress and remain productive.

This cover is available to purchase between the 6th January and the 1st May, subject to underwriter acceptance, and this would provide cover for identified heat stress events within the 12 month policy period.

Speak with your local NFU Mutual Agent to find the right level of protection for your farm. Find your local NFU Mutual Agency office here.